Convert serial # questions

[Don G]

I have a question about Convert serial #'s, one for sale local to me, owner sent me a photo of the frame tag, # reads 132749. I do know the engine prefix should be VG xxxxx. I requested a photo of the engine # have yet to see it, I have seen that the #'s for a Convert are in this group VG 11111 - VG 25693. Here is the photo I have:


Kinda looks like the plate has been fooled with, notice the missing rivet? What do you guys think? I may go look at it but its a 5 hour round trip....   DonG

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

The engine number would match the frame number.

[Bulldog9]

My Convert Serial # is similar, just 6 numbers, nothing more. Had no issues with Insurance or Registration/Title.  I have not checked it against the serial # on the engine.

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

I requested a photo of the engine # have yet to see it

If the seller wants to sell the bike he’d better comply with your request.  Obviously don’t make a long trip until photos arrive.

[motorcop]

So if nobody is going to state the obvious......after 20 years of law enforcement and some time in auto theft, some red flags should be apparent to you. The VIN tag is missing a rivet and appears to have been pulled off. Look how the left edge is pulled away from the frame. What does the other rivet look like? Is it a hardware store common rivet or does it match the correct manufacturers rivet from that era. What is the patina like on the remaining rivet? Does it match the rest of the bike?  The engine number not matching the frame may be a non issue. That is common with other manufacturers. This may or may not be the case with Moto Guzzi. You would have to research that. Sometimes the manufacturer will stamp the DOT year in the lens covers of tail lights or turn signals. Sometimes they will have part numbers. Both can be verified with the year of the the title and VIN. Again, not sure if this applies to Moto Guzzi, I would check with someone who is more versed in these.

On the other hand, if the owner removed the VIN for a frame repaint, that may explain the tag in the condition it is in.  Although question his ability.

Just my .02 cents worth. I hate to see somebody taken advantage of.

Chuck

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

So if nobody is going to state the obvious......after 20 years of law enforcement and some time in auto theft, some red flags should be apparent to you. The VIN tag is missing a rivet and appears to have been pulled off. Look how the left edge is pulled away from the frame. What does the other rivet look like? Is it a hardware store common rivet or does it match the correct manufacturers rivet from that era. What is the patina like on the remaining rivet? Does it match the rest of the bike?  The engine number not matching the frame may be a non issue. That is common with other manufacturers. This may or may not be the case with Moto Guzzi. You would have to research that. Sometimes the manufacturer will stamp the DOT year in the lens covers of tail lights or turn signals. Sometimes they will have part numbers. Both can be verified with the year of the the title and VIN. Again, not sure if this applies to Moto Guzzi, I would check with someone who is more versed in these.

On the other hand, if the owner removed the VIN for a frame repaint, that may explain the tag in the condition it is in.  Although question his ability.

Just my .02 cents worth. I hate to see somebody taken advantage of.

Chuck

US market Moto Guzzi big block engine and frame numbers started matching as early as '69 - those on my '69 Ambassador do. Every Guzzi I've owned newer than that has had matching numbers as well (except the "mutts" I've built from bits and pieces).

[Two Checks]

My 75 T had matching numbers until I bought it as a basket and had to replace the frame as the gooseneck and steering stem were bent.
In MO the frame # is used as the VIN.

[Don G]

Thanks for the reply's Gents, I received a photo of the engine # and it is a match with VG prefix like it should. I also scoped out the VIN # on my 75 Convert and the numeral sequence is the same, although it is 1952 units less than the one for sale. I plan on using this Convert to build another loop frame bike, this time using the integrated braking as well.   The frame tag may be buggered up due to the fact this unit had a Vetter fairing mounted, I will pay close attention as well, I already had the #'s ran at the local Police Dept. they came back OK DonG